What’s it like to own not just one, but two Leopard catamarans?
For Trish and Glen, their journey started with a Leopard 39 and led them back to the brand years later with a new Leopard 45. Their experience offers real insight into what it’s like to upgrade, cruise as a family, and design a boat around how you actually live onboard.
Below, they share their experience in their own words, from favorite cruising grounds to how they use different spaces onboard.
Meet the Owners Behind Radiant Hope
Owning a cruising catamaran on the Chesapeake is a dream for many. For Trish and Glen, it’s a reality they’ve experienced not once, but twice.
After years of sailing their Leopard 39 with their three daughters, they’ve returned to the Leopard family with a new Leopard 45, “Radiant Hope.” Their story reflects a long-term passion for sailing, family adventure, and designing a life centered around time on the water.
From early family trips to planning new cruising routes, their journey offers a real look at how catamaran ownership evolves over time.
From Leopard 39 to Leopard 45
Trish and Glen purchased their first Leopard, a Leopard 39, at the 2010 Annapolis Boat Show. At the time, their daughters were 7, 9, and 11 years old.
“From the time they were small, we wanted to instill a sense of adventure in them,” Trish explains. “They were always ready on short notice with a backpack filled.”
Over the years, the family cruised extensively, including trips through New York Harbor, Long Island, and beyond. Now, with their daughters grown, they’ve stepped into a new chapter aboard their Leopard 45.
“Owning a boat like this is a once in a lifetime experience—but twice? We never imagined that,” Trish says.
Why They Chose the Leopard 45
For both Trish and Glen, the decision came down to how they live onboard.
“The lounge,” Trish says simply. “This is my dream boat.”
Compared to their previous Leopard 39, the Leopard 45 offers more usable social space, including the forward cockpit and upper lounge seating areas they’ve nicknamed the “sky lounge.”
“We’ve found that people naturally gather in small groups,” Glen explains. “This boat gives us more ways to bring people together comfortably.”
Planning Their Next Chapter on the Water
The couple plans to begin with time in Florida before heading north to their home waters in the Chesapeake Bay.
“We’ll spend some time getting to know the boat, then ride the Gulf Stream back up to Annapolis,” Glen says.
Seasonally, their plans include:
- Winter cruising through Florida and the British Virgin Islands
- Summer sailing across Long Island Sound, Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard, and Cape Cod
While a full circumnavigation isn’t on the immediate list, they haven’t ruled it out.
“It’s always a possibility,” they say.
Favorite Places to Cruise
From years on the water, Trish and Glen have developed a clear list of favorite destinations.
On the Chesapeake, Annapolis and St. Michaels stand out, especially quieter anchorages like San Domingo Creek. More recently, they’ve discovered waterside wineries accessible by boat.
Looking ahead, they’re excited about extended cruising in the BVI, with island hopping as a top priority.
Questions & Answers with Two-Time Leopard Owners
What’s your dream passage?
In the winter, island hopping from Fort Lauderdale to Anegada in the British Virgin Islands. In the summer, cruising Glen’s home waters around Long Island Sound, Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard, and Cape Cod.
What’s your favorite spot onboard?
“The forward cockpit right now,” Trish says, “but it might be the sky lounge. There are so many places to relax—it really depends on the moment.”
How do you spend your evenings at anchor?
“Sundowners on the lounge, music playing, something relaxed like Zac Brown or NEEDTOBREATHE, and simple food like charcuterie. Nothing formal.”
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from sailing?
“Patience,” they both agree.
“There are always decisions to make, and things don’t happen instantly. But more importantly, sailing teaches you to enjoy the journey—not just the destination.”
What skills are you still working on?
“Downwind sailing,” Glen says. “We’re planning to add a parasailer.”
What tools or apps do you rely on?
PredictWind, Navionics, and ActiveCaptain all play a role in their planning and navigation.
Do you stay connected or unplug while cruising?
“A bit of both,” they say. “On the water, it’s one of the few places where a phone isn’t the office—it’s just music.”
What’s one thing new owners should know?
“Take your time,” Trish says. “It takes a couple of seasons to really feel comfortable. Ease into it, especially with family onboard.”
What makes sailing as a family special?
“It’s about shared experiences,” Glen explains. “We don’t vacation—we adventure.”
What They’ve Learned After Owning Two Leopard Catamarans
After years on the water, a few things stand out:
- Layout and livability matter more than size alone
- Comfort onboard impacts how often you use the boat
- Sailing is about the experience, not just the destination
- Taking time to learn builds long-term confidence
- The owner community is an invaluable resource
Explore More Leopard Owner Stories
Want to hear directly from other owners around the world?
Explore more real experiences from Leopard owners, including firsthand insights, cruising stories, and practical advice from the global Leopard community.
